Pumping them up

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
I need a new foot pump. Only use one for topping up and then check pressure with my own accurate gauge.
Anyone use the twin tubed type?
Vaguely thought about a 12v tyre inflator but more to go wrong.
The Ring RAC 635 looks ok but a lot of negative comments about the screw on valve connector.
Any thoughts/views.
Thanks
Don

[windydubber]

To be honest I've always used the 12v type and never had any problems.

[Ralf85]

Tried the twin tube type. I dumped it because it needed so much foot pressure.

None of the modern foot pumps are made very well. I found the biggest problem has been plastic connections used along with the plastic hose. As the pressure causes them to get hot the plastic expands and the air escapes before it gets to the tyre. Tried using a jubilee clip but that soon failed too. The pump is only then good enough to throw away.

[tforturton]

I've been using the same 12v pump I bought from Halfords for the last twenty-odd years. Tough and reliable, though it is a bit noisy. Keep meaning to buy a new quieter one, but hey, it still works!

[voodoopenguin]

I have my multi thingy which is an emergency jump starter, compressor, light, 240V inverter, USB socket and lamp - might have forgotten some other things! Not exactly small but is usually in the van and has worked very well for a few years now in all its options. If the jump battery is charged, and it usually is, it will run the compressor for quite a long time without running down.

I knew I had at least one old foot pump in the garage and wondered about offering it to you. Just for interest I looked on eBay, how can anyone make money on this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOOT-PUMP-WIT ... 5d4e72d2b5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Surely it would cost more than that in postage. My advice, buy three of those!

Paul

[tonytech]

I've bought loads of the "classic" foot pumps, both single and double barreled, recently for experiments in the school I work at.
The heavy handed (or footed) boys break them pretty quickly because the metal work is so thin and flimsy.
Unless you are on level ground and keep the force even the frame bends.

We now use "bike" pumps like
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dakota-Bicycle- ... =foot+pump
A bit bigger to carry around, but much more sturdy. I have used one to inflate a car tyre.

I usually use the 12V compressor type.
T

[silverbullet]

Track pumps are ok but often have small bore cylinders for inflating road cycle tyres to over 120psi.
You need to move a big volume of air for car/van tyres.
I have tried all types, they all have pros and cons.
Apart from my engine driven compressor that I forgot to finish off... should be the easiest of the lot!

[CovKid]

I bought a 12v pump from Home Bargains some years ago, expecting it to do maybe one or two tyres before packing up. Its done many, including other peoples and has earned its keep at £3.99. It takes up considerably less space than the double cylinder footpump I used and you can sit inside when its pouring with rain and wait for it to inflate rather than hammering your foot to seemingly little effect. I'm sure there are better ones but its been brilliant.